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2026 NFL backfield

Green Bay Packers running backs

The current roster, the published replacement plan and the production behind each player’s role.

The published backfield plan

Published starter

Josh Jacobs

Preferred handcuff

MarShawn Lloyd

Lloyd is RB2 with the room thinned out

Committee uncertainty: an absence could spread work across several backs.

View Josh Jacobs’s handcuff breakdown

Week 7 analysis published .

This analysis is over 24 hours old. Confirm current roles and availability before making a move.

The game covered by this analysis has started or finished. This is a record of that window, not a recommendation for the next game.

How the work could change

Fact: the official Packers-Lions inactive list posted Oct 25 at 1:55 PM local time (page prints no timezone; released 90 minutes before the 4:25 PM ET kickoff) lists RB Kaleb Johnson inactive and no other Green Bay back, so MarShawn Lloyd and Pierre Strong Jr. are both active. Fact: Chris Brooks is carried as out. Fact: Josh Jacobs has no Week 7 designation and is not on the inactive list. Projection: with Johnson down and Brooks out, Lloyd is the early-down replacement if Jacobs could not finish, while Strong is the likelier passing-down piece, so Lloyd's case rests on volume rather than receptions and his role is still unproven. He is usually still available on the wire.

Kaleb Johnson is inactive for Week 7 and Chris Brooks is out, trimming Green Bay to Jacobs, Lloyd and Strong. Today's official list clears Lloyd and Strong to play, and Jacobs carries no designation, so Lloyd is a contingency rather than a projected starter. Nothing in this week's reporting establishes a carry split behind Jacobs.

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The full backfield depth chart

Every running back and fullback assigned to Green Bay Packers, including reserve and practice-squad entries. Chart order and replacement opportunity answer different questions: a passing-down specialist can sit ahead of the back most likely to inherit the carries.

Source: nflverse depth-chart feed · Feed dated Tue, Oct 27, 2:01 AM EDT. Equal ranks are ties. Unlisted backs are not assigned an invented rank. FB ranks are separate from RB ranks.

Green Bay Packers full running back depth chart
Feed orderPlayerScouting roleDraft investmentRoster status
RB1
Josh JacobsPublished starter		Three-down back2019 · Round 1 · Pick 24active
RB2
MarShawn LloydPublished handcuff		Early-down runner2024 · Round 3 · Pick 88active
RB3
Pierre Strong Jr.		Change-of-pace back2022 · Round 4 · Pick 127active
RB4
Kaleb Johnson		Early-down runner2025 · Round 3 · Pick 83active
RB5
Chris Brooks		Receiving backUndraftedinjured reserve
Unlisted
Damon Bankston		Role under review2026 · Undraftednot on roster

Every back: role, upside and obstacles

The player assessments below explain the skills that could earn work and the assignments that might go to someone else. Role labels describe scouting assessments; they are not confirmed snap shares. “Three-down” means a skill set for rushing and passing situations, not a guarantee of every down.

RB1 · Three-down back

Josh Jacobs

Age 28 · 8 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Capable in saved assessmentPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment

Eligible again, but not yet a confirmed full workload: LaFleur said Oct. 19 that Jacobs gets a full week of practice while calling his Week 7 status at Detroit 'to be determined', citing missed football reps - so expect a ramp rather than a guaranteed starter's share. Lloyd, Strong and Kaleb Johnson produced little and Green Bay was last in rushing, so the job is his once up to speed.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Oct 22, 3:55 AM EDT.

Path to more work

He is the starter in the dated board above. For fantasy purposes, the question is how much of the rushing and passing work he keeps when the whole room is available.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A starter can still lose third downs, short-yardage work or change-of-pace touches to specialists. His role assessment describes the skill set, not a guarantee that every assignment stays with him.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2019 · Round 1 · Pick 24

Drafted by LV; not necessarily his current team.

Early-round investment is part of his prospect pedigree and may support a chance to develop. It does not guarantee the next workload, especially after a team change.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 1 recorded game include 11 carries and 5 receptions on 7 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB2 · Early-down runner

MarShawn Lloyd

Age 25 · 3 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment

Stock down sharply: Josh Jacobs was expected back from the commissioner's exempt list on Monday, Oct. 19, and Rotoworld said Lloyd, Pierre Strong and Kaleb Johnson could all go back to the waiver wire. Strong led the Week 6 backfield while Lloyd was in and out after an injury scare. Two rushing touchdowns in Week 5 was the high-water mark of a job he never consolidated.

Scouting assessment saved Sat, Oct 24, 4:00 AM EDT.

Path to more work

The dated board selects him as the preferred replacement behind Josh Jacobs. That is a projection of the replacement role, not a promise that he gets every touch.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Josh Jacobs. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

An early-down profile offers a path to carries between the tackles. A receiving or protection specialist could still handle third downs, limiting a full-workload takeover.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2024 · Round 3 · Pick 88

Drafted by GB; not necessarily his current team.

Day-two draft investment adds prospect context. His current role, availability and competition still decide whether he gets the next opportunity.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 7 recorded games include 54 carries and 12 receptions on 16 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB3 · Change-of-pace back

Pierre Strong Jr.

Age 27 · 4 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment

Peaked at the wrong moment: he led Green Bay's backfield in the Week 6 win over Dallas with 11 carries for 28 yards and five catches for 39, filling in while Lloyd was in and out. But Rotoworld expected Josh Jacobs off the exempt list on Oct. 19 and listed Strong among the backs to drop. At 2.8 yards per carry in a broken run game, there is no standalone value with Jacobs back.

Scouting assessment saved Sat, Oct 24, 4:00 AM EDT.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Josh Jacobs. The dated board currently prefers MarShawn Lloyd for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A change-of-pace role can create useful touches in a limited package. It does not automatically transfer to the starter’s workload; another back may fit the early-down or short-yardage assignment better.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2022 · Round 4 · Pick 127

Drafted by NE; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 2 recorded games include 16 carries and 8 receptions on 10 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB4 · Early-down runner

Kaleb Johnson

Age 23 · 2 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment

Third in line and falling. Green Bay traded for him around cutdowns after Josh Jacobs went on the commissioner's exempt list, with Gutekunst framing him as backfield support behind MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks. Week 6 brought no reported usage while Strong led the room, after a Week 4 fumble inside the five. With Jacobs expected back Oct. 19, Rotoworld listed him as a drop.

Scouting assessment saved Sat, Oct 24, 4:00 AM EDT.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Josh Jacobs. The dated board currently prefers MarShawn Lloyd for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd, Pierre Strong Jr.. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

An early-down profile offers a path to carries between the tackles. A receiving or protection specialist could still handle third downs, limiting a full-workload takeover.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2025 · Round 3 · Pick 83

Drafted by PIT; not necessarily his current team.

Day-two draft investment adds prospect context. His current role, availability and competition still decide whether he gets the next opportunity.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 6 recorded games include 28 carries and 1 receptions on 3 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB5 · Receiving back

Chris Brooks

Age 26 · 4 years of NFL experience · injured reserve

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment

No new information since the Oct. 10 IR placement; facts carried forward. The passing-down role that carried his value has gone to Pierre Strong Jr. Jacobs's reported Week 7 reinstatement would push Brooks further down a room that also holds Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson, so even a healthy return points to special teams. Deep-league drop; the role, not the talent, was the asset.

Scouting assessment saved Tue, Oct 20, 3:51 AM EDT.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Josh Jacobs. The dated board currently prefers MarShawn Lloyd for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd, Pierre Strong Jr., Kaleb Johnson. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A receiving specialist can retain passing-down work without becoming the lead runner. A bigger rushing role could go to a different teammate even if this player appears higher on the chart.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

Undrafted

He entered without draft investment. That says how he arrived, not what he can become; current usage and coaching trust carry more weight now.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 4 recorded games include 15 carries and 3 receptions on 5 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

His roster feed status is injured reserve. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Role under review

Damon Bankston

Age 23 · Rookie · not on roster

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Back on Green Bay's practice squad as of Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026 (Demovsky), having first signed Sept. 9 and been released 20 days later. A 23-year-old undrafted rookie out of New Mexico who began with the Giants. No role was described in reporting; he is roster churn behind Lloyd, Johnson, Brooks and the newly promoted Strong, and carries no projectable workload.

Scouting assessment saved Fri, Oct 9, 3:54 AM EDT. This assessment is older than 14 days or has an invalid date; current-role review is needed.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Josh Jacobs. The dated board currently prefers MarShawn Lloyd for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A clear role assessment is not available. Rushing experience, receiving usage and protection responsibilities need checking before treating him as a direct replacement.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2026 · Undrafted

He entered without draft investment. That says how he arrived, not what he can become; current usage and coaching trust carry more weight now.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is not on roster. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

The production behind the names

2026 regular season. Recorded production, not a projection. A missing stat line is not a zero.

Player comparison for the 2026 regular season
PlayerGames with statsCarriesReceptionsTotal yardsPPR / game
Josh Jacobs
11159120.1
MarShawn Lloyd
754122127.0
Chris Brooks
4153943.1
Damon Bankston
—————
Kaleb Johnson
62811141.7
Pierre Strong Jr.
2168858.3
Josh Jacobs: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 1 recorded games in 2026

Wk 716 touches
MarShawn Lloyd: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2026

Wk 28 touches
Wk 36 touches
Wk 412 touches
Wk 511 touches
Wk 68 touches
Wk 78 touches
Chris Brooks: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 4 recorded games in 2026

Wk 17 touches
Wk 25 touches
Wk 31 touches
Wk 45 touches
Kaleb Johnson: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2026

Wk 10 touches
Wk 28 touches
Wk 35 touches
Wk 48 touches
Wk 57 touches
Wk 61 touches
Pierre Strong Jr.: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 2 recorded games in 2026

Wk 58 touches
Wk 616 touches

Totals include all teams played for that season. Per-game averages use games with recorded stats. Source: nflverse player statistics.

Evidence behind the backfield analysis

Compare your next bench move

A handcuff is an opportunity to hold, not a projected starter for this week. Compare the room with other teams, then choose a game window that fits your league’s rules.

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